Hellenistic Philosophy

John Sellars

Offers an accessible and comprehensive introduction to Hellenistic philosophy
Cross-referenced to the standard collections of ancient texts that are used in teaching
Further resources include guides to Hellenistic philosophers and relevant further reading
Also provides a chronology for the period to provide context

Hellenistic Philosophy

John Sellars

Description

The Hellenistic period was a rich and exciting time for philosophy. It saw the birth of two new schools of thought, Epicureanism and Stoicism, and important developments in Plato's Academy. Aristotelians and Cynics were also active during the period, all of which created a vibrant philosophical landscape.

Many of the ideas now associated with early modern and enlightenment philosophy - such as empiricism, materialism, and religious scepticism - were widely discussed by Hellenistic philosophers. In Hellenistic Philosophy, Sellars offers a thematic introduction to the philosophy of this era. The author highlights the very practical outlook common of the time, in which philosophy was seen as a guide for life, and summarizes the key debates on a series of topics, ranging from epistemology to political philosophy.

The works of Hellenistic philosophers had a vital influence on later thought, and especially on the development of early modern philosophy. In providing an accessible outline of this important era, the book is of particular use to students and general readers interested in the period. It is also an invaluable resource for teaching with its guide to Hellenistic philosophers, chronology, and extensive cross-references to standard collections of ancient texts.

Hellenistic Philosophy

John Sellars

Hellenistic Philosophy

John Sellars

Author Information

John Sellars, Lecturer in Philosophy, Royal Holloway, University of London

John Sellars is a Lecturer in Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, and a Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London. He is also a member of Wolfson College, Oxford, having previously been a Junior Research Fellow. He is the author of The Art of Living: The Stoics on the Nature and Function of Philosophy (2003) and Stoicism (2006). He recently edited The Routledge Handbook of the Stoic Tradition (2016).

Hellenistic Philosophy

John Sellars

Reviews and Awards

"John Sellars offers an engaging and useful new contribution to the field, likely to appeal to undergraduates, graduate students, and interested non-experts." -- Jenny Bryan, University of Manchester, Greece & Rome

"Hellenistic Philosophy, written masterfully by John Sellars, is the definitive guide to this fundamental period of philosophy....much more than just an introduction to an essential philosophy. I would recommend this oeuvre to anyone who loves history, has an interest in philosophy or wants to widen the reach of the therapeutic value of philosophy." -- Aline Maya Paredes, Metapsychology Online Reviews

"Sellars has written an excellent introduction to Hellenistic philosophy. I will certainly use it in my teaching, and I recommend it very strongly to other teachers." -- Peter Aronoff, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"fascinating ... This important work makes a compelling case for the value of Hellenistic philosophy and, in particular, for a reappraisal of the value of Cicero as both a scholiast and a philosopher in his own right. Sellars concludes by calling for scholars to begin investigating Indo-Greek philosophy as part of Hellenistic philosophy, a welcome suggestion ... Highly recommended." -- G. J. Reece, CHOICE